Recently, the need for fast, secure, and accessible document notarization has never been more urgent to optimize business performance. Online notarization addresses this by offering speed and convenience, being an effective alternative to in-person methods. But with varied providers, which is the best online notary service for your specific needs?
This blog will clarify what online notarization of documents is and the crucial factors to consider when selecting a provider. We will also compare five of the top platforms based on their strengths in legal, real estate, and general use cases. Right now, let’s get started!
What is online notarization?
Online notarization, also known as remote online notarization (RON), is the process of notarizing documents electronically via secure video conferencing tools. Instead of meeting a notary face-to-face, individuals can complete the process from anywhere, which is supported by licensed online notary services in their specific state and country.
When you notarize documents online, a notary public will verify identities, witness signatures, and apply an electronic seal—all of which strictly comply with legal laws. This process is especially ideal for busy professionals, students, and anyone needing quick and secure notarization of documents without leaving home or traveling long distances.
5 Key factors to consider when selecting online notarization solutions
If you are a newbie to online notarization, it’s essential to understand what sets a reliable service apart. Below are the five standards to help you evaluate your options effectively.
- Security and compliance
To minimize fraud, most notarization platforms need to ensure advanced encryption, secure video conferencing, and multi-factor identity verification (e.g., government-issued ID). They also have substantial compliance with relevant laws like the U.S.’s e-SIGN Act, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), EU’s eIDAS, and Know Your Customer (KYC).
Additionally, verifying global compliance is critical to ensuring documents are notarized legally across borders. This can be conveniently presented by online notaries in the UK, as “the principal role of a notary in England and Wales is to 'attest the authenticity' of deeds and other legal documents for use abroad”, highlighted by the UK Notary Public law. These notaries also offer more flexibility due to the control of the independent authority - the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, instead of the federal or government.
- Cost
Not all providers price their services the same. Some charge per document ($25-$50), while others offer subscription plans or bulk pricing for businesses. Thus, you need to compare costs against your budget, checking for hidden fees like additional signatures, document storage, and especially international support or cross-border notarizations.
It’s best to work with online notarization platforms with public and transparent pricing. This ensures affordability for students and professionals needing frequent notarization, balancing cost with quality and making it easy to address expenses-related problems.
- Types of documents supported
Notarizing all types of documents legally is nearly a challenge. Some specialize in legal contracts or real estate deeds, while others handle everyday documents like affidavits. Therefore, let’s choose a service that aligns with your needs to save your cost and time, especially for complex legal documents or international transactions. And always confirm that your specific document type is accepted and valid under the platform’s jurisdiction.
- Ease of use
A user-friendly platform enhances the online notarization experience. The best platforms offer intuitive dashboards, step-by-step guidance, mobile compatibility, and instant scheduling. Clear instructions and visual cues are especially helpful for first-time users.
- Customer services
Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential, especially when you have online notarization under strict deadlines. That’s why looking for providers with live chat, multilingual and 24/7 support, and accessible help centers is one of the first priorities. ,
Which is the best online notary service for varied demands?
#1. Legitify
Legitify is a powerful online notary service designed for global professionals and everyday users. Its SOC 2 Type 1 Certification ensures enterprise-grade data security and legal compliance across key industries, such as legal, real estate, finance, and corporate.
Not only a renowned online notary in the UK, Legitify stands out for its cross-border capabilities, multilingual support, and intense focus on legal and real estate transactions. It’s one of the few platforms that enables remote notarization across multiple EU and international jurisdictions without many barriers. This makes it a trusted partner of leading enterprises worldwide, like Revolut Business, Avask, Fuel Ventures, and Vance.
What makes it stand out
- Updated, global compliance for cross-border notarizations
- Fast, intuitive platform with multilingual support for diverse users
- Advanced encryption and multi-factor identity verification
- Transparent pricing (Business and Individual) and excellent customer support
- Diverse legal signature validity based on the regulations of the U.S., EU, and UK.
Best for: Most documents (e.g., legal, real estate) for both domestic and cross-border
#2. Notarity
Based in Germany, Notarity focuses on providing digital notarization services that align with strict EU legal requirements. It’s well-suited for clients handling legal documents like contracts, incorporations, and declarations within Germany and other EU countries. While the platform is secure, the notarization process might be complex for new users.
What makes it stand out
- Strict adherence to EU regulations for legal document notarizations
- Secure video-based process and robust verification
- Tailored for Germany and EU member countries’ legal needs.
Best for: Legal documents in Germany and EU member countries
#3. Notarize
Notarize is one of the most popular services in the U.S. for fast, on-demand online notarization. While it is highly voted for 24/7 customer support and works for all 50 states in the U.S., it is not a go-to choice for highly sensitive or specialized legal paperwork. That’s why it is better to have it for daily use, such as business forms and travel consents.
What makes it stand out
- Nationwide U.S. availability and highly compliant with states’ regulations
- User-friendly, straightforward, and quick notarization process
- 24/7 and dedicated customer support
Best for: Everyday use documents in all states in the U.S.
#4. NotaryCam
NotaryCam specializes in real estate transactions, offering enterprise-level tools to handle high-value documents effectively. This platform also takes security seriously, using SSL encryption, Amazon’s Virtual Private Cloud, and Experian’s EI3PA certification. However, scheduling and processing seem a bit slower than other U.S.-based services.
What makes it stand out
- Super-secure platform with strong legal compliance
- Expertise in real estate closings for most states in the U.S.
- 24/7 customer service for responsive, adequate support
- E-signatures validity by UETA and the e-SIGN Act of 2000 (based on the U.S.)
Best for: Real estate documents in the U.S and international transactions
#5. NotaryLive
This online notary service can cover all 50 states and supports recurring notarization for leases, titles, and mortgage forms. Besides fixed pricing tiers, NotaryLive offers custom solutions, whether for an individual or an enterprise. This is effective in optimizing your budget for specific demands while ensuring the best results. However, NotaryLive doesn’t support international capabilities and isn’t suitable for complex legal documents.
What makes it stand out
- U.S.-wide coverage for real estate document notarizations
- 24/7 customer support and responsive verification process
- Customizable pricing plans for different demands.
Best for: Real estate documents in all states in the U.S. (not global compliance)
Conclusion
Online notarization is transforming how we handle paperwork—it is cutting down wait times, reducing in-person requirements, and opening doors to cross-border transactions. However, before choosing a notarization service, it’s essential to evaluate factors such as legal compliance, user reviews, supported document types, pricing, and your demands. Consequently, you might be better prepared to work with a secure and efficient solution.
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